The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India. It was founded in 1969 with the goal of developing and promoting space technology and its applications for national development. ISRO operates under the Department of Space, which is under the direct administrative control of the Prime Minister of India.
ISRO’s mission is to develop and use space technology for the socio-economic development of India. To achieve this mission, ISRO undertakes a wide range of activities, including:
Spacecraft Development: ISRO designs, develops, and launches a variety of spacecraft for different applications, such as earth observation, communication, navigation, and scientific exploration.
Satellite Launch Services: ISRO provides launch services to other countries using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch vehicles.
Ground Systems and Operations: ISRO operates a network of ground stations and control centers for tracking, telemetry, and control of its spacecraft.
Research and Development: ISRO conducts research and development activities in various areas of space technology, such as propulsion, satellite design, and space applications.
Space-based Services: ISRO provides a range of space-based services, such as satellite-based meteorological services, remote sensing, and satellite-based navigation.
ISRO also has a number of research and development centers across the country, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and the ISRO Satellite Centre.
ISRO is known for its cost-efficient approach to space exploration and has been successful in launching a number of satellite and spacecraft, including Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar probe, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which was the first successful interplanetary mission on a shoestring budget.
ISRO has also been actively collaborating and partnering with other countries and international organizations in the field of space exploration and research. In addition, ISRO has been working on a number of ambitious projects, such as the development of a reusable launch vehicle and a human spaceflight program.
Another key aspect of ISRO’s operations is its focus on building a strong domestic capability in space technology. The organization has been working to develop a robust ecosystem for the design, development and manufacture of space systems, components and subsystems in India. This includes the establishment of a number of research and development centers, as well as the development of a strong supply chain of Indian industries that can provide the necessary components and subsystems for ISRO’s missions.
One of the major initiatives in this regard is the Indian Space Vision 2020, which aims to build a strong domestic capability in the field of space technology and applications, and to make India a global leader in the field. The vision includes a number of specific goals, such as the development of a reusable launch vehicle, the establishment of a human spaceflight program, and the expansion of satellite-based services to a wider range of users.
In recent years, ISRO has also been actively working to promote the use of space technology for the benefit of society. This includes the use of satellite-based services for a wide range of applications, such as natural resource management, disaster management, and rural development.
One of the most notable examples of this is the use of satellite-based remote sensing for natural resource management. ISRO’s satellites provide high-resolution images of the earth’s surface, which can be used for a wide range of applications, such as crop monitoring, land use mapping, and mineral exploration. These data are used by a wide range of users, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies.
Another important application of space technology is in the field of disaster management. ISRO’s satellites provide near real-time images of affected areas, which can be used to assess the extent of damage and to plan response and recovery efforts. In addition, ISRO’s satellite-based navigation system, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), can be used for a wide range of applications, such as search and rescue, and navigation for ships and aircraft.
In recent years, ISRO has also been working on a number of ambitious projects that have the potential to transform the field of space exploration and research. One such project is the development of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). This is a launch vehicle that can be used multiple times, reducing the cost of space launches significantly. In 2016, ISRO successfully conducted the first experimental test flight of its RLV-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD). The successful test flight of the RLV-TD marks a significant step forward in ISRO’s efforts to develop a reusable launch vehicle.
Another ambitious project that ISRO is currently working on is the development of a human spaceflight program. This program aims to develop the technology and infrastructure needed to send Indian astronauts into space. The program is being developed in collaboration with a number of national and international partners, including the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.
In addition to these ambitious projects, ISRO has also been actively working to expand its collaboration with other countries and international organizations in the field of space exploration and research. This includes a number of agreements and collaborations with countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.
One example of such collaboration is the partnership between ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). The MOM, also known as Mangalyaan, was launched in 2013 and successfully entered into orbit around Mars in September 2014. The mission was a major milestone in India’s space program and marked the first time that a spacecraft from Asia had successfully entered into orbit around Mars.
In addition to collaborations with other countries and international organizations, ISRO has also been working to expand its outreach and engagement with the general public. This includes a number of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of space science and technology among the general public.
Overall, ISRO plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of India by developing and promoting space technology and its applications. With a focus on cost-efficiency, a track record of successful missions and ambitious projects, ISRO is considered one of the leading space agencies in the world. The organization continues to work on ambitious projects and actively collaborate with other countries and international organizations to advance the field of space exploration and research for the benefit of society.
Another important aspect of ISRO’s operations is its focus on satellite-based services for a wide range of applications. The organization has a number of satellites in orbit that provide a wide range of services, including communication, navigation, remote sensing, and meteorology. These satellites are used by a wide range of users, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies.
One of the most notable examples of this is the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system. The INSAT system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the world, and provides a wide range of services, including television and radio broadcasting, telecommunication, and meteorological services. The INSAT system is used by a wide range of users, including government agencies, private companies, and the general public.
Another important application of satellite-based services is in the field of navigation. ISRO’s satellite-based navigation system, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), provides navigation services to a wide range of users, including ships and aircraft. The IRNSS system is considered to be one of the most advanced satellite-based navigation systems in the world and is expected to play a vital role in the development of India’s transportation infrastructure.
In addition to these services, ISRO is also actively working on a number of new and innovative applications of space technology. One example of this is the use of satellite-based services for the management of natural resources. ISRO’s satellites provide high-resolution images of the earth’s surface, which can be used for a wide range of applications, such as crop monitoring, land use mapping, and mineral exploration. These data are used by a wide range of users, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies.
Another example of innovative applications of space technology is the use of satellite-based services for disaster management. ISRO’s satellites provide near real-time images of affected areas, which can be used to assess the extent of damage and to plan response and recovery efforts. The satellite-based data is also used to monitor the impact of natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, and to develop early warning systems.
Another area where ISRO has been making significant contributions is in the field of interplanetary exploration. The organization has successfully launched a number of missions to explore other planets in the solar system. One of the most notable examples of this is the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, which was launched in 2013 and successfully entered into orbit around Mars in September 2014. The mission was a major milestone in India’s space program and marked the first time that a spacecraft from Asia had successfully entered into orbit around Mars.
Following the success of MOM, ISRO has also been working on a number of other interplanetary missions. One such mission is the Venus orbiter mission which is planned to be launched in 2025. This mission will study Venus’s atmosphere and surface features, and will look for any signs of water or life on the planet.
The organization has also announced plans for a mission to explore one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. The Europa Clipper mission will study the surface and subsurface of Europa in order to understand its potential to support life. The Europa Clipper mission is planned to be launched in the next decade.
In addition to interplanetary exploration, ISRO is also actively working on a number of other cutting-edge space-related technologies. One such technology is the development of a semi-cryogenic engine, which has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of space launches. The organization has successfully tested a semi-cryogenic engine in 2017 and is currently working on its further development.
Another area where ISRO is making significant contributions is in the field of space-based solar power. The organization has been working on the development of a space-based solar power system, which would involve the use of satellites to collect solar energy in space and then transmit it to the earth. This technology has the potential to provide a sustainable source of energy for the future.
In addition to these technologies, ISRO is also actively working on a number of other initiatives to promote the peaceful use of outer space. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) satellite-based navigation system, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The IRNSS system provides navigation services to a wide range of users, including ships and aircraft, and is considered to be one of the most advanced satellite-based navigation systems in the world.
Another initiative in this regard is the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC), which is responsible for archiving, processing and distributing space science data from various ISRO missions. The ISSDC is also responsible for developing software and tools for data processing and analysis, and for providing support to the scientific community in the use of space science data.
ISRO also collaborates with other countries and international organizations to promote the peaceful use of outer space. One such example is the collaboration between ISRO and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) on the UN-SPIDER (United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response) program. The program aims to use space-based information to support disaster management and emergency response efforts in developing countries.
In addition to these initiatives, ISRO also engages in a number of outreach and education activities to promote space science and technology among the general public. One example of this is the ISRO Space Science Program for School Children, which aims to create awareness and interest in space science among school children.
One of ISRO’s most notable achievements in recent years has been the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. The mission, which aimed to land a rover on the surface of the moon, marked a significant milestone for India’s space program and made India the fourth country to soft-land a rover on the lunar surface. Despite the rover losing communication shortly after landing, the mission was still considered a success as it had successfully completed 95% of its objectives.
Another significant achievement of ISRO has been in the field of satellite communication. The organization has launched a number of communication satellites, including the GSAT-11, which is considered to be one of the most powerful communication satellites in the world. The satellite is capable of providing high-speed broadband services to remote and rural areas in India, and is also used for satellite-based navigation services.
ISRO has also been actively involved in providing satellite-based services for disaster management and relief efforts. The organization has used satellite imagery and other data to support disaster management efforts in a number of countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
In addition to these achievements, ISRO has also been making significant contributions in the field of satellite-based remote sensing. The organization has launched a number of remote sensing satellites, including the Cartosat series, which are used for a wide range of applications, including land use and land cover mapping, and natural resource management.
In recent years, ISRO has also been focusing on developing reusable launch vehicles (RLV) technology. The RLV technology is a major step towards reducing the cost of space launches and making them more affordable and accessible to a wide range of users. In 2016, ISRO successfully test-launched a reusable launch vehicle technology demonstrator (RLV-TD) and it is working on the development of a fully-reusable launch vehicle.
Another area where ISRO has been making significant contributions is in the field of satellite-based earth observation. The organization has launched a number of earth observation satellites, including the Resourcesat series, which are used for a wide range of applications, including crop monitoring, land use and land cover mapping, and natural resource management.
ISRO has also been actively involved in providing satellite-based services for weather forecasting and climate studies. The organization has developed a number of weather-monitoring satellites, including the INSAT series, which provide data on various weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. This data is used for weather forecasting and climate studies.
In recent years, ISRO has also been focusing on developing inter-planetary missions. The organization has successfully launched a number of missions to other planets, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2014. The MOM mission, which aimed to study the Martian surface and atmosphere, marked a significant milestone for India’s space program and made India the first country to successfully reach Mars on its first attempt.
In addition to these initiatives, ISRO also engages in a number of outreach and education activities to promote space science and technology among the general public. One example of this is the ISRO Young Scientists Program, which aims to create awareness and interest in space science among young students.
In conclusion, ISRO plays a vital role in the development of India’s economy and society by providing a wide range of satellite-based services. With a focus on cost-efficiency, a track record of successful missions, and a strong domestic capability in space technology, ISRO is considered one of the leading space agencies in the world. The organization continues to work on ambitious projects and actively collaborate with other countries and international organizations to advance the field of space exploration and research for the benefit of society. It also encourages young students and researchers to take part in space related research and development. This not only benefits the country but also will lead to future innovations and discoveries.
